THREE of the four games were decided by 59 points or more in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) Colts, in a round that was probably not one to remember if you were part of the losing sides. The biggest shock was West Perth’s thumping away victory over the previously undefeated Subiaco, to see the ladder remain tight between the top seven sides with eight points separating first from seventh.

Peel Thunder 21.10 (136) defeated Claremont 9.4 (58)

Peel Thunder produced a thumping 13-goal victory over Claremont to receive a huge percentage booster despite the win being just its second for the season. The Thunder led by 22 points at half-time before putting the foot down in the second half, running away with it following a 13 goal to four half to register the 78-point win. They dominated most statistical areas despite losing the hit outs, and had a 24-13 free kick differential in the match.

James Sturrock topped the disposal count for the winners with 30 touches, six marks, six tackles and five inside 50s, while Lachlan Riley had 28 disposals and six marks of his own. Jake Howes was prominent with 27 disposals, five marks, six tackles and four inside 50s, while Jackson Perry took seven marks from his 25 disposals. Jarvis Pina (22 disposals, one goal) and Bradley Oldfield (21 disposals, two goals) were prominent across the ground while Lachlan Cullen (five goals) and Tyrone Thorne (three goals) were the dominant forwards on the day.

For the Tigers, Rylie Morgan was the highest ball winner, notching up 23 disposals, four marks, four tackles, four inside 50s and booting a goal, while Tyron Smallwood also finished with a major from 20 disposals, two marks, four tackles and six inside 50s. Nathan Pearce (17 disposals) and Corey Hitchcock (14 disposals) were the next two highest for the losers in the heavy defeat.

South Fremantle 3.8 (26) defeated by Swan Districts 12.15 (87)

In a strong defensive performance, Swan Districts got the job done against South Fremantle, restricting their opponents to just three goals for the day. The Swans never looked liked losing after quarter time, having 11.9 to 1.7 by the final break. While the Bulldogs booted two of the last three goals of the game, it was never going to be enough, with the visitors recording a 61-point victory.

Graydon Wilson was busy for the winners, racking up 29 disposals, nine marks, five inside 50s and two tackles, while Brenton Hilton picked up 27 disposals and four marks. Riley Garcia laid five tackles, had four inside 50s and booted a goal from 25 touches, while Atem Deng was prominent up forward with four goals from 17 disposals, as was Patrick Farrant (four goals).

Regan Spooner stood tall in defeat for the Bulldogs, notching up 29 disposals, seven marks and five tackles, while Luke Moore was everywhere, booting two goals from 22 disposals, six marks, six inside 50s and two tackles to be South Fremantle’s best. Tom Blechynden continued his good form this season with 21 disposals, four marks and five tackles, while James Russell had 17 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s.

Subiaco 8.8 (56) defeated by West Perth 18.7 (115)

West Perth has recorded a huge upset victory by toppling the previously undefeated Subiaco. Coming off a bye, the Lions found the going tough after half-time, booting two goals to the Falcons’ 10, as the visitors gave them a wake-up call. The loss saw Subiaco drop from top spot, while West Perth received a healthy percentage boost after a mixed season thus far.

Nathan Murray was amongst everything for West Perth, racking up 30 disposals, four marks, seven tackles, three inside 50s and a goal, while Daniel Rowe had a game-high 11 marks from his 27 disposals, four tackles, four inside 50s and a goal. Filimone Muavou was one of four multiple goal kickers for the Falcons, finishing with two majors, 17 disposals, and six marks. Koopah Todd and Ben Johnson both booted two goals and had a combined 31 disposals and nine inside 50s, while Logan Foley was the definition of clinical, booting 4.1 from five kicks and five marks up forward.

For Subiaco, Tristan Hobley had 24 disposals (20 kicks), five marks, three inside 50s and booted a goal, while the Hickmott brothers were again amongst the best. Will had 24 disposals, seven marks and two tackles, while Liam notched up 17 disposals, two marks and laid six tackles. Jacob Peletier was the other ball winner with 20 disposals, six marks and a goal, while Sam West and Jack Mayo were the Lions’ multiple goal kickers on the day.

East Fremantle 13.6 (84) defeated East Perth 10.5 (65)

East Fremantle survived a first half scare at home to see off cellar dwellers East Perth at home. The Sharks found themselves trailing by 17 points at the half, before booting 10 goals to four after half-time to run away with a 19-point win and sit just inside the top five.

Corey Robinson was prominent for the winners with 26 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and two inside 50s, while Milan Murdock was East Fremantle’s best, notching up 23 disposals, five marks, eight tackles, four inside 50s and capitalising with two goals. Joshua Ritchie also booted two majors from his 13 disposals, as did Cameron Davidson. Nicholas Watson was good in the ruck with 29 hitouts and 13 disposals.

For the Royals, Thomas Baulch had a fantastic defensive game, laying a game-high 10 tackles to go with his 25 disposals, nine marks and six inside 50s, while Louis Miller was also prominent with 23 touches, six marks, six tackles and five inside 50s. Damon Greaves (23 disposals, seven marks) and Harley Sparks (19 disposals, two marks) with the other major ball winners, while Ben McGuire (four goals) and talented bottom-ager Rhai-Arn Cox (three goals) were the dangers up forward.